First Impressions of Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch
In the world of tactical gear, organization and rapid access are paramount. That’s why the Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch immediately caught my attention. Blue Force Gear has a reputation for producing high-quality, durable gear. This pouch promised to securely hold two pistol magazines while offering quick and easy access. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, especially compared to some of the bulkier, more rigid options I’ve used in the past.
My primary need was a streamlined, MOLLE-compatible pouch that wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk to my loadout. I wanted something that could handle the rigors of both the range and potential field use. I needed reliability and speed in magazine deployment.
Upon receiving the pouch, I was immediately impressed by its minimalist design and lightweight feel. The mil-grade elastic felt robust and capable of securely holding magazines of various sizes. The molded rubber pull tabs on the bungee straps seemed like a well-thought-out feature. The quality of construction appeared top-notch. It’s a noticeable step up from the cheaper nylon pouches flooding the market.
Compared to similar pouches from Condor and HSGI, the Blue Force Gear offering stood out due to its slim profile and elastic retention system. I chose this over a Condor pouch because of Blue Force Gear’s reputation for quality and the sleek design. It appeared more durable and less bulky than the HSGI TACO pouches I’ve used. The price point, at $42.95, felt justified given the perceived quality and design.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential for a low-profile, reliable magazine pouch. I was also slightly concerned about whether the elastic retention would hold up under heavy use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range. I subjected the Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch to various drills involving rapid magazine changes. I wanted to simulate real-world stress on the system. The weather was slightly damp, which presented an opportunity to test the grip of the rubber pull tabs.
The pouch performed admirably. Magazines were held securely yet released easily with a firm tug. The adjustable bungee straps provided excellent retention even when moving dynamically. The rubber pull tabs offered a surprisingly good grip, even with damp gloves.
I did notice a slight learning curve in optimizing the bungee strap tension for different magazine sizes. A few initial adjustments were necessary to find the sweet spot between retention and ease of access.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch has held up exceptionally well. It has been through multiple range sessions, a weekend-long tactical training course, and even a few backcountry hikes. It remained affixed to my kit.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The elastic has retained its elasticity and the stitching remains intact. I was initially concerned about the bungee cords fraying, but they have proven to be surprisingly durable.
Maintenance is minimal. Occasional wiping down with a damp cloth is all that’s required to remove dust and grime. This simplicity is a significant advantage over some more complex pouches that require specialized cleaning. It has outperformed similar nylon pouches I’ve used in the past in terms of both durability and retention.
Breaking Down the Features of Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch
Specifications
The Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch is designed to hold two standard pistol magazines. It utilizes a mil-grade elastic pouch for secure retention. The pouch mounts to MOLLE-compatible platforms via standard MOLLE straps. Adjustable bungee straps with molded rubber pull tabs offer additional retention.
The dimensions are approximately 4″ x 3″ x 1.5″ when empty. The weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to your gear. The materials used are high-quality mil-spec elastic, durable nylon webbing, and molded rubber. These specifications matter because they contribute to a lightweight, durable, and versatile pouch that can accommodate a variety of pistol magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch excels at its primary function: securely holding and providing rapid access to pistol magazines. The elastic construction offers excellent retention, even during rigorous activity. The adjustable bungee straps allow for fine-tuning retention based on magazine size and personal preference. It met and exceeded my expectations for a low-profile, high-performance magazine pouch.
The elastic and bungee system works exceptionally well with various magazine types. It is one of the pouch’s greatest strengths. The primary weakness is that overly thick magazines may be difficult to insert or extract.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is minimalist and functional, prioritizing ease of use and low profile. The build quality is excellent, with robust stitching and durable materials. The weight is incredibly light, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. There is virtually no learning curve; the pouch is intuitive to use from the start.
Durability & Maintenance
The Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch is built to last. The mil-grade elastic and nylon webbing are highly resistant to wear and tear. Maintenance is simple and straightforward. This is a pouch you can depend on for years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch does not come with any included accessories beyond the integral bungee retention system. There are no real customization options available directly for the pouch itself. It is designed to be a simple, streamlined solution.
The pouch is compatible with any MOLLE-compatible platform, allowing for versatile placement on vests, belts, and packs. Aftermarket bungee cords of different colors or strengths could potentially be swapped out.
Pros and Cons of Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch
Pros
- Low Profile: The slim design minimizes bulk on your gear.
- Secure Retention: Mil-grade elastic and adjustable bungee straps keep magazines firmly in place.
- Rapid Access: Magazines are easily deployed with a firm tug.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Compatibility: MOLLE-compatible for easy attachment to various platforms.
Cons
- Magazine capacity of 2 magazines can be limiting.
- Magazines that are overly thick can be difficult to use.
Who Should Buy Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch?
The Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch is perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel who require a low-profile, reliable magazine carrying solution. It is ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in magazine changes. It’s also great for airsoft and milsim enthusiasts seeking authentic, durable gear.
This product may not be the best choice for individuals who need to carry a large number of magazines. Users who prefer rigid, kydex-style pouches may find the elastic retention system less secure.
A good tactical belt and a MOLLE-compatible vest are must-have accessories to maximize the utility of this pouch.
Conclusion on Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch
The Blue Force Gear AFD Mag NOW Double Mag Pistol Pouch is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a low-profile, high-performance magazine carrying solution. Blue Force Gear has delivered a product that balances simplicity, durability, and functionality. The $42.95 price is justified given the quality of materials and construction.
I would absolutely recommend this pouch to anyone looking to streamline their gear and improve their magazine change efficiency. It’s a worthy investment for both professionals and recreational shooters. Get yours today and experience the difference that quality tactical gear can make.